The Lang Brook Trail follows Lang Brook for much of its length to its source near a small beaver pond. Named for the Lang Family that once occupied a 19th century homestead on the NorthWoods site, Lang Brook passes through a variety of terrain as it flows into the Clyde River.

Beginning directly across from the front entrance walkway at NorthWoods (0.0 mi.), the blue-blazed trail turns off of a wide path at a signed trailhead and begins its gradual course with the brook nearby on the left. Passing an abandoned bird blind, the trail continues straight through a four-way intersection and, crossing several plank bog bridges, soon approaches the first of several interpretive sites, highlighting the early successional, or ‘pioneer’ forest. Approaching the brook more closely, the trail climbs past several granite boulders and reaches the junction with the Tamarack Island ski trail (0.2 mi.).

Turning left, and briefly following the ski trail, the path bears right and enters the forest on the far side. Again passing near to the brook, close now on the right, the trail crosses a second series of plank bog bridges and, rounding a bend, bears right at an old junction. Climbing a low rise, the trail soon emerges into a small opening and approaches a small footbridge. Crossing Lang Brook and reaching a short spur that leads to the Echo Lake Trail, the trail turns sharply right and soon reaches the Balsam Campsite (0.3 mi.).

Winding through the campsite, the trail soon reaches an old, open ski trail, and leaving the brook (now a short distance away on the right), enters the woods on an old woods road. Following the wide skid path the trail passes near a small wetland spring and turns sharply left into more open hardwoods (0.4 mi.). A short distance ahead, the trail reaches a small opening with an intermittent beaver pond (0.5). Here, a rough game path loops around the opening and permits closer exploration of the beaver pond.

Turning left at the beaver pond, a spur leads a short distance to the Echo Lake Trail, a wide, level woods road that returns to the Center.

Total distance: approximately 0.5 mi., elevation gain: 125 feet.

Named for Will Gardner, a Lang Family descendant who shared much of the history surrounding the NorthWoods site, the Gardner Path is a history trail that highlights the remains of a 19th century farm landscape. Featuring both subtle and stunning evidence of past land use, the Gardner Path explores the evolution of a landscape influenced by human history.

Beginning on the west side of the Lang Brook, by the NorthWoods ropes course, the Gardner Path is most easily reached by parking at NorthWoods’ main building and walking down the driveway a short distance, turning right on the lower drivewayy, and crossing Lang Brook on a small car bridge. The signed trailhead is located on the left.

From the trailhead (0.0 mi.), the yellow-blazed path follows a wide ski trail downhill and soon bears right and enters the plantation forest (0.05 mi.). Here, the trail passes long rows of Norway spruce and red pine planted in the mid-1900’s and soon reaches the site of an old round barn foundation (0.1 mi.). The spectacular centerpiece of the old Lang farmsite, the round barn measured 100-feet in diameter and was considered an innovative labor and material-saving structure later in a mysterious fire that also consumed the farm house and, presumably, several other outbuildings. The curved granite foundation wall was built of locally quarried stone and features a prominent high drive that once accessed the upper floors of the barn; the second level doorsteps are visible on either side of the foundation. Nearby are the remains of the former spring, horse barn and farmhouse cellar.

Skirting the outer wall of the barn, the Gardner Path bends to the west and soon reaches the farmhouse cellar hole with its well-preserved foundation walls and granite doorstep. After crossing a low seep, the trail begins to parallel the Ten Mile Square Road, following an old stone wall with its row of large sugar maples (0.2 mi.). Eventually crossing a seasonal stream and passing a faint spur trail on the right, the path continues along an old fence line and soon reaches a small opening and the junction with the Lower Clyde ski trail (0.3 mi.).

Turning right up the hill and away from the road, the trail climbs steadily for a short distance, passing the blueberry bushes and wild apple, black cherry and pine trees that indicate the former pasture-lands that once occupied this sandy, south-facing slope. Leveling somewhat, the trail continues to climb gently and, crossing a foot-bridge, reaches the western edge of the pine plantation (0.4 mi.). Here, the trail threads upward with the pine forest on the right and a regenerating forest on the left. This forest margin, or ‘eco-tone’, is a well travelled wildlife corridor that, situated near the confluence of three forest types: plantation, old pasture, and regenerating clearcut, reveals the influence of past land use on the forest landscape.

Turning back into the pine plantation, the trail crests a small knoll (0.5 mi.) and begins a gentle sidehill course, passing a spur to NorthWoods’ meadow and log lean-to before continuing through rows of red and white pines. Joining a winter ski trail, the path passes a number of challenge course and high ropes elements before returning to the trailhead kiosk (0.7 mi.).

Total distance: approximately 0.7 mi., elevation gain 125 feet.

Haystack Mountain (elev. 2712 ft.) is an aptly named small peak with steep sides and a wooded summit located in the town of Westmore. Haystack is accessed by two routes, the North and South Trails, and feature three scenic lookouts, providing a popular hike that, with a round trip distance of 2.0 miles, is moderate in difficulty and well-suited to beginning hikers and families. Hikers should be aware, however, that the trails are steep in places (particularly on the North Trail) and care should be used near the lookouts, especially with children and pets.

Note: The land accessed by the Haystack Mountain Trails is privately owned and available to the public at the discretion of the landowners. Please help maintain good landowner-hiker relations and respect private property. No fires, overnight camping or motorized vehicles.